Kate Winslet, known for her meticulous preparation for roles, employed an inventive method to develop her character for HBO's satirical drama "The Regime". Speaking at the FYC panel in Los Angeles, Winslet revealed how she explored her character, Chancellor Elena Vernham, by leaving voicemails for the show's executive producer, Jessica Hobbs, in character.
In "The Regime", Winslet plays a corrupt leader whose decisions lead to civil unrest, demanding a distinct voice far removed from her own. Winslet initially tested her character's accent at home, humorously noting her family's reaction: "Don't do that. It's actually made my ears bleed." Encouraged by Hobbs' positive feedback, Winslet confidently presented the voice to director Stephen Frears, impressing him enough to secure his approval for the accent's use in the series.
This approach is not new for Winslet, who has a history of mastering challenging accents, including the Pennsylvania's Delaware County accent for her acclaimed role in "Mare of Easttown". During the process, she focused on ensuring the accent supported her character's authenticity, expressing that while the Delco dialect was "one of the hardest accents I've ever done," it was crucial in shaping the character's emotional depth without descending into caricature.
Winslet's dedication to voice and character development highlights her commitment to authenticity and depth in her performances, making her portrayals resonate deeply with audiences.